Car Service Lyft Lowers Prices and Updates Apps Just in Time for Spring

Lyft is not the biggest name in 24/7 car services, but it's gaining ground fast on the more well-known Uber. As part of its springtime push, the company has announced that it's lowering prices, and its mobile apps on iOS and Android have gotten a solid update.

Lyft is not the biggest name in 24/7 car services, but it's gaining ground fast on the more well-known Uber. As part of its springtime push, the company has announced that it's lowering prices, and its mobile apps on iOS and Android have gotten a solid update.

For the uninitiated, Lyft is a transportation service that relies on drivers signing up to offer rides in their own cars. You use the mobile app to order a car, and Lyft tells the nearest driver where to pick you up. You get a handy screen with the location of the car and your driver's profile. Payments are all handled through the app and are split between Lyft and the driver. The cost is set to go down this spring due to a change in Lyft's fee structure.

The company has decided to reduce its commission on each ride. In most markets this will work out to a 20% drop in the cost of a trip. Drivers still get their full cut, but customers get a break. This deal is running through at least the next few months, and possibly longer based on response.

As for the apps, anyone who uses Lyft will be happy to know the iOS and Android apps now ask for your destination after you've ordered a car. This lets you calculate the cost and allows the driver to instantly jump into navigation in their app as soon as you're on board.

Make sure to check out the Lyft site for details on the actual cost in each market, as well as the service area. There are a few dozen metro areas in the US covered by Lyft, but it's a bit more expensive than a cab. It's all about the convenience, though, right?

About the Author

Ryan Whitwam is a freelance tech/science writer and fan of all things electronic. This long-time skeptic and former research scientist is a lover of the em dash and a defender of the Oxford comma. He also writes for Geek.com and ExtremeTech.
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